Where would you like to sign in?

Grand Chief Archie Charles Invested as a Member of the Order of Canada

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Aug. 31, 2009) - On behalf of Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean, Governor General of Canada, His Honour the Honourable Steven L. Point, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, presented the insignia of Member of the Order of Canada to Grand Chief Archie Charles during a ceremony at the Seabird Island Community Hall, in Agassiz, British Columbia, on August 28, 2009.

Grand Chief Charles' citation is as follows:

Archie Charles, C.M. Seabird Island, British Columbia Member of the Order of Canada

With extraordinary compassion and dedication, Archie Charles has devoted his life to the betterment and well-being of the Sto:lo First Nation. A veteran of the Second World War and survivor of the residential school program, he was elected chief of the Seabird Island band for an unprecedented 14 consecutive terms. During this period, he initiated many projects that have revitalized the Seabird Island community, and both preserved and promoted his nation's culture and language. As a strong advocate for Aboriginal self-government and cross-cultural reconciliation, he has worked towards the resolution of land and title disputes. Thanks to his tireless efforts on behalf of his people, he is the first person to be named Grand Chief of the Sto:lo First Nation.